A korean style of karate with roots dating back over 1200 years. Now in America it harmonizes well with the moral ideals rooted here. As the first people of this land felt reverence for nature and centered their philosophy on the cycle of life, Free Spirit Karate looks to that cycle for its philosophy.

TANG SOO DO: (The way of the Chinese empty hand)

Karate for Physical Fitness

Many think that breaking boards and bricks is what karate is all about. That is an entirely mistaken concept. Demonstrations showing such feats as breaking boards and bricks are merely to show the power and speed that the human body is capable of utilizing through karate training. Karate is one of the most all-around methods of physical fitness as it utilizes every muscle of the body.

Karate as a Sport

Karate is taking its place in the world of sports. Blocking, kicking, and punching techniques all contribute to making karate an exciting competitive sport. Tremendous skill and control are required in karate. Its challenge lies in the skillful application of the techniques without having any actual body contact. Because of this refrain from body contact, injuries are infrequent and minor, making karate safer than football.

Karate for Self Defense

Karate is considered the ultimate in unarmed self defense because of the high degree of skill involved. In Korea, the presidential Protective Forces are all trained in karate and several other nations are presently adopting the art into the training programs of their armed forces.

Karate as an Art

Through the coordination of control, balance, and techniques in karate forms, karate is regarded as a beautiful and highly skilled art. Forms are merely a method of shadow boxing where the practitioner simulates a defense against more than one attacker. The "Dance of Death", as many masters have named forms, is a series of blocks and counter attacks which are designed to suppress physical aggression. To perfect a form takes many months of hard work and coordination. As one advances through degrees, his forms become more intricate.